Which component is primarily responsible for removing solids from the boiler water?

The component primarily responsible for removing solids from the boiler water is the blow-off valve. This valve plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and operational efficiency within the boiler system. When solids or sediments accumulate in the boiler, the blow-off valve allows for the removal of this water, effectively purging the unwanted materials from the system.

By periodically opening the blow-off valve, operators can drain a portion of the boiler water that contains the concentrated solids that settle at the bottom, preventing issues such as scaling or corrosion that can arise from these deposits. Maintaining appropriate water quality is essential for optimal boiler performance and longevity, and the blow-off valve is vital in achieving this.

The other components mentioned serve different purposes. Feedwater heaters are used to preheat the feedwater before it enters the boiler, helping to improve overall efficiency but not directly removing solids. Centrifugal pumps are designed to move water through the system but do not have a function related to solid removal. The chemical feed system is responsible for adding chemicals to treat water, reducing scaling and corrosion without physically removing solids. Thus, the blow-off valve's specific function in purging solids makes it the correct answer.